Saint Formerio

According to Christian tradition, Formerius was born in a place called Caesarea, where he lived as a hermit before being martyred on a pyre by a pagan judge. However, there are two versions regarding the location of this place and the fate of his relics, neither of which can be verified due to a lack of documentation. One version suggests that the location corresponds to Caesarea in Cappadocia, in present-day Turkey, and that the saint's remains were brought from those lands to Treviño, in the province of Burgos, Spain, on the back of a mare; a hermitage in his honor is located in that town. The other version identifies Caesarea as Cerezo de Río Tirón, where he allegedly lived and was martyred during the persecution of Christians, with his remains later moved to Bañares, in La Rioja. Since ancient times, he has been considered a protector of livestock, a savior of crops, and an intercessor against head ailments. His feast day is celebrated on September 25. He is the patron saint of the County of Treviño in the province of Burgos and of Bañares in La Rioja.